Dutch minister for Development Cooperation visits AMIS Headquarters

May 6, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Today the Acting Head of Mission of the African Union Mission in the Sudan, Monique Mukaruliza, met with the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation, Mr. Bert Koenders. The Dutch Minister visited the AMIS headquarters in Khartoum with a delegation of Dutch government officials as part of a three day visit to Sudan.

Receiving the delegation, Monique Mukaruliza acknowledged the ongoing political commitment of The Netherlands Government to the Darfur Peace Process and extended her gratitude for the continued and generous Dutch financial, logistical and material support to AMIS.

The AMIS Acting Head of Mission further briefed the delegation on the current activities of AMIS. She told the visiting delegation that AMIS has achieved much despite its limited resources. She hoped that the agreed United Nations Heavy Support Package and the proposed Hybrid deployment would alleviate these constraints. In this regard she reiterated the African Union’s call for sustained funding of its Mission in the Sudan until such time as this support becomes operational.

Also speaking, the Head of the DPA Implementation Team, Ambassador Sam Ibok, mentioned that the Darfur Peace Agreement, though imperfect, remains a viable basis for peace and security in Darfur. What is needed now, is to reenergise the process and broaden the basis for support. This is now being undertaken by the UN and AU special envoys, Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim who are expected back in Sudan later this week. Ambassador Ibok called upon The Netherlands, in cooperation with the international community, to help bring the non-signatories on board the DPA.

In response to the presentations, the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation emphasised that Darfur needs a strong and determined AMIS while waiting for the Hybrid operation. The Dutch delegation will visit the AMIS Force Headquarters in El Fasher later this week.